by Sirfalcon
Fighting games this year are coming in frequent waves and are supplying fighting game fanatics with a wide variety of choices based on different fighting mechanics. Arc System Works and Aksys Games, famous for their Guilty Gear series has come fourth with a new installment to the genre. The oddly named BlazBlue Calamity Trigger, steps into the ring with its beautiful 2D styled graphics. BlazBlue is one of many new series to the ever expanding fighting game genre. Veteran fighting gamers might wonder if BlazBlue is truly worth the price tag.
Graphics. From the minute the game begins players are given the traditional anime inspired intro that immerses the player into BlazBlue’s universe. Delving right into the game, you will notice that each character is uniquely designed with their own specific abilities and attributes. BlazBlue brings gorgeous 2D models to the next gen era of fighting games that will not only satisfy fanatics but also impress newcomers to the genre as well. The backgrounds make a magnificent use of color by using brightly hand drawn graphics. Its nice to see that 2D fighting games can still substantially stand up to par with 3D brawlers in the HD gaming era.
Control. BlazBlue features a simple but complex fighting game system that anyone can learn when picking up the controls for the first time. Many of the moves are performed by quarter circle forward (qcf) motions and forward down forward motions (fdf), which gives you access to the variety of moves that each character has to offer. Many characters use the same inputs while others deviate with their own unique maneuvers.
Before getting into talking about the controls I just want to note that buttons that will be discussed will be in the form of arcade terms. BlazBlue borrows the Guilty Gear style controls with a few modifications. There are four attack buttons known as A (Light), B (Medium), C (Heavy), and D (Drive). The drive is a unique attack button that varies based on characters, which is more like a unique attack button. It seems that of late, games use throw commands rather than pressing the direction and attack button. To initiate a throw press B and C together and the direction you want to throw them. The controls work well and are very responsive, no matter which character is chosen.
Sound. BlazBlue boasts a rocking soundtrack that delivers a memorable soundtrack which will keep the player humming from time to time. The voices are a treat from the mellow vampire Rachel to the hyper active ninja Bang. There is a lot of voice work here. A fully voiced story mode, specific character intros, and even in fight dialogue. It’s easy enough to say the sound department is pretty much up there for a 2D fighter. My only quam is that the game does not support 5.1 surround sound but that’s not really an issue.
Gameplay. After pouring many hours into BlazBlue and learning all the new mechanics, combos, and of course supers known as Distortion Drives. It’s safe to say BlazBlue is a fast paced, juggling frenzy type of game. Chaining combos allows you to build up supers also known as Distortion Drives, which will help obliterate your opponent. The super bar can also be used for doing special cancel maneuvers that allow you to create custom styled combos to your liking. Being that this is combo heavy game this is something that will actually help players with their combos. The typical combo counter in the top right displays how many chained attacks the character has done. If that meter remains red that signifies that it a true combo However, if that meter fades to black the combo was only technical meaning the opponent could tech out of it.
There is also a block gauge known as Libra which is displayed at the top middle of the screen if the bar. If you consistently block the bar will move closer to your side and will eventually break momentarily leaving you helpless. For all the campers out there, BlazBlue has something called negative penalty. Run away too much and your super bar will start to diminish. If you feel overwhelmed by your opponent there is a Burst system, which allows you to break combos at a moment’s notice. Be aware though this can only be used once and will leave you with a weaker defense. If it’s the final round and it so happens that your health is at 20 percent or below, beware as you may be the victim of the instant KO move known as the Astral finish.
BlazBlue offers different modes of play. There is Arcade, Story, Score Attack, Versus and Network Play. In Blaz Blue you’ll spend most of your time unlocking collectables for the Gallery. Completing all the different paths for each character in Story mode will unlock numerous things. All your accomplishments can be viewed anytime whether it’s a picture or even the full endings. It’s nice to see that developers are now giving the option to put the voices in both English and the original Japanese. Finishing Arcade mode with character will grant you their Astral finish. With all that said and done you’re probably looking at 25 hours or so of gameplay, not to mention the Network Play of course.
Network play allows players from across the globe to test each other skills in combat. You can play in ranked and increase your level by meeting certain conditions you will be awarded with bonus experience points. What impressed me was the heavy focus on player matches. Hosting a room gives you the option of selecting an Arcade styled play using 3 different rotations that allow up to six players to be in a room at any given time. This in my opinion should be a standard in every fighting game. The option to save every match is also a plus. It’s definitely a good way to study combos and strategies to your liking in my opinion. Overall the matches are fluid with a noticeable lag during the character introductions but clears up as soon as the round starts.
Overall. There is so much to do in BlazBlue, which is great for anyone who is serious about it or even just playing casually. Learning combos, collecting artwork, playing friends online or offline, it’s all worth the time and money spent on this game. If you were lucky enough to pick up BlazBlue during the first month of release you’re lucky enough to own the special collectors edition which was a free upgrade. If you’re a fan of fighting games and looking for something to brighten up the fighting genre, look no further than BlazBlue Calamity Trigger.
